Transcript WWI Propaganda Posters

Opener: (left side)
When the U.S. declared war against the Central
Powers, the U.S. government needed to quickly get
Americans to cooperate with the war effort.
-What are some quick and effective ways the
government could get Americans to participate in the
war effort?
(right side)Take
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Video Clip Notes:
Food Administration:
Fuel Administration:
War Industries Board:
National War Labor Board:
Propaganda campaign:
– Committee on Public Information:
– Four Minute Men:
WWI Propaganda Posters
Each of the nations which participated in World War
One from 1914-18 used propaganda posters not only
as a means of justifying involvement to their own
populace, but also as a means of procuring men,
money and resources to sustain the military
campaign.
In countries such as Britain the use of propaganda
posters was readily understandable: in 1914 she only
possessed a professional army and did not have in
place a policy of national service, as was standard in
other major nations such as France and Germany.
Yet while the use of posters proved initially successful in
Britain the numbers required for active service at the
Front were such as to ultimately require the introduction
of conscription. Nevertheless recruitment posters
remained in use for the duration of the war - as was
indeed the case in most other countries including France,
Germany and Italy.
However wartime posters were not solely used to recruit
men to the military cause. Posters commonly urged
wartime thrift, and were vocal in seeking funds from the
general public via subscription to various war bond
schemes (usually with great success).
Interestingly, for all that the U.S.A. joined the war
relatively late - April 1917 - she produced many more
propaganda posters than any other single nation.
(right side) War-era posters:
• Inexpensive and efficient way to spread a
message to a mass population.
• The message is intended to persuade people and
get their support for a cause.
• Often the message contains facts but is twisted
to support a specific attitude.
• Sometimes the message is completely false.
• Message appeals to emotions rather than logic.
England
England
England
Ireland
England
“Every German
employed means a
British worker idle.
Every German
article sold means
a British article
unsold.
British Empire
Union”
Australia
France
Germany
(For the war loan!)
Germany
Zeppelin over
Antwerp (city in
Belgium)
“We’ll
heat you
up!”
Germany
U.S.A.
U.S.A.
U.S.A.
U.S.A.
U.S.A.
U.S.A.
Your call to duty! As a war time artist
or slogan writer, you must create a
propaganda poster:
• Pick a theme:
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Military enlistment
rationing food (Food Administration)
patriotism
bonds and loans
Anti- German sentiment
• Draw in pencil first, then color, may also be created on the
computer
• Most convincing poster wins a prize!
• Finally, this will count as a project grade (more points than a
homework assignment= gotta do it!)